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The demographic situation in Germany has reached a critical point. According to the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden, around 654,300 children were born in the country in 2025, the lowest figure since 1946. The decline in birth rates has now continued for the fourth consecutive year.

Last year, the death rate significantly exceeded the birth rate, with more than one million deaths recorded. The gap of 352,000 marks the largest natural decrease in the post-war period. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the relatively small generation born in the 1990s is now entering childbearing age.

In addition to demographic waves, financial difficulties play a key role. According to surveys, 55% of German residents consider the cost of raising children to be “unaffordable.” The main obstacles to expanding families include rising housing, food, and energy prices, high taxes and social contributions, as well as a loss of income due to switching to part-time work after the birth of a child.

The decline in birth rates was more pronounced in eastern federal states (–4.5%) than in western ones (–3.2%). The sharpest drop was recorded in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (–8.4%), while Hamburg was the only region to show slight growth. Similar negative trends are observed in France, Italy, and Sweden, although the situation has begun to stabilize in Spain and the Netherlands.

ORIENT

Photo: dw.com